Photo: Andy BarrettPhoto credit: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com
Most 13-year-olds walk into middle school tech lab thinking about passing their next assignment or making something cool to toss into their backpack. He designed, printed, and sold roughly 150 custom fidget toys to fellow students, teachers, and neighbours. When he finally hit his goal of selling 150 toys, he had built a functioning, thriving business right out of his middle school science lab. Andy is 13 years old and still in middle school. The 150 fidget toys he sold and the money he raised for epilepsy awareness are real proof right now that even one student can use a classroom tool for good, if he has the right support and motivation.
Armed with basic design software, brightly colored plastic filament, and a personal drive to make a difference, Andy launched a micro-business right from his classroom.
Andy relied on his friends to test early prototypes, modifying his designs according to their feedback until the toys were rugged and dependable. Andy Barrett, an eighth-grader at Granville Middle School in Ohio, saw something entirely different when he looked at his school’s 3D printer. He saw an opportunity to build a business that could actually help people. Instead of pocketing the money for video games or new shoes, he directed every cent of his profits toward epilepsy awareness and research. From classroom tool to business idea He noticed how popular fidget toys had become among his peers. Kids were constantly looking for tactile objects to help them focus, manage stress, or simply keep their hands occupied during long school days. Rather than buying mass-produced plastic toys from big store shelves, Andy figured he could design his own versions, customise them, and offer them directly to people around him. Bringing a digital design to life takes far more work than simply hitting print. After getting approval from his teachers, Andy spent long hours in the school lab perfecting his fidget toys. He learnt the software from scratch, playing around with different shapes, hinges and textures, so the finished pieces felt comfortable to hold. The learning curve was sharp. He’d tackle clogged nozzles, peeling plastic, and failed prints tossed into the scrap bin. After printing, each piece required a bit of handwork, like trimming away excess material or smoothing out any rough spots. When the other kids saw the bright, custom toys in action, word spread through the hallways in a hurry. What began as a few casual sales has turned into a steady stream of orders, with teachers, school staff and neighbours getting in on the act. Andy quickly found himself running a real business, keeping track of customers and money, fitting in printing time around his classes. What truly set Andy apart was his motivation. From the very beginning, he decided that the proceeds would go directly to funding epilepsy research and supporting organisations that help families dealing with the condition. The choice was deeply personal. Andy knows people in his life who have epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes unpredictable, recurring seizures. Seeing friends or family struggle with the difficulties of the condition gave him a clear view that it can be hard. In addition to the physical toll of medical appointments and daily medications, people with epilepsy often face social stigma, anxiety and a general lack of understanding from those around them. Andy saw his fidget toys as a creative way to start conversations, educate his peers and create meaningful support for a cause that doesn’t get enough attention in middle school halls. He has many years of learning and experimentation ahead of him. He could keep selling fidget toys. He could expand into other 3D-printed products. Or he could channel his energy into new causes and new projects. Whatever he does next, he’ll take experience of running a small, purpose-led company with him.